Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults
For the experienced clinician, the Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults provides a deep exploration of the cutting-edge theoretical perspectives of attachment, trauma informed care, and neuroscience, as they relate to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adults. In addition, participants select three electives in evidence-based treatment modalities for adults, and two electives in treatment focuses for adults, to gain advanced knowledge and deepen their practice in their particular area of expertise.
Target Audience: Intended for the experienced clinician.
Each course is 6 hours in length, offered in one full-day session, and offers 6 CEUs for students who complete the entire course. Qualified students may complete the courses in any order they choose, and may take any course(s) without committing to completing the certificate.
To receive the certificate, students must complete the 3 required courses and 5 electives within 3 years.
Theoretical Perspectives (3 required)
1. Attachment Theory (Course CORE-1)
2. Trauma Informed Care (Course CORE-2)
3. Neuroscience (Course CORE-3)
Adult Treatment Modalities (choose 3)
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM1)
2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM2)
3. Motivational Interviewing for Adults (Course ADULT-TM3)
4. Narrative Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM4)
5. Psychodynamic Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM5)
6. Solution Focused Therapy for Adults (Course ADULT-TM6)
Adult Treatment Focuses (choose 2)
1. Sexuality and Gender Across the Lifespan (Course ADULT-TF1)
2. Substance Use Disorders for Adults (Course ADULT-TF2)
3. Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan (Course ADULT-TF 3)
4. Trauma and Interpersonal Violence for Adults (Course ADULT-TF4)
5. Issues Facing Older Adults (Course ADULT-TF5)
Adult
Certificate Information
To receive a certificate, students must complete the three core courses and five electives (three Treatment Modality courses and two Treatment Focus courses), for a total of eight courses. Each certificate program offers 14 course options. The core courses are the same for both certificate programs. A student who completes the core courses for one certificate program need not retake them to complete the other certificate program.
Each core course will be offered at least once per year. In addition, several Treatment Modalities and Treatment Focuses electives for each certificate program will be offered each semester. Students may take up to 3 years to complete the certificate.
Full-day courses will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with an hour lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Summer 2025
Social Work Certificate Courses in
Advanced Clinical Practice - Online
Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET
Registration deadline: Course registration will close on Thursday at midnight prior to each Tuesday course
and Tuesday at midnight prior to each Friday course.
- Online participants are required to have a computer with video and audio capability.
- Participants must create a Zoom account in advance according to Boston College security requirements.
- All programs offered online via Zoom will be delivered live and will not be recorded unless stated otherwise.
- These programs have a maximum capacity to allow for participant engagement. Register early to avoid disappointment!
Summer Semester Savings!
1 Course = $150
2 Courses = 10% Discount Each
3 Courses = 15% Discount Each
4 Courses = 20% Discount Each
Register
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Mary Chao, LMHC
Substance Use Disorders for Children, Youth, and Families
This course examines theory, clinical dimensions, and best practices pertaining to substance use and addiction in youth, young adults, and families. Goals are to offer foundations for understanding crucial characteristics of substance use and addiction, and to provide a framework for addressing substance use needs of youth and their families. Beginning with the history of anti-drug policies and how stigma plays a role in popular conceptions of addiction, this course will explore how substance use is expressed in child development and the diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorders. Participants will examine best practices and approaches in assessment, intervention, and treatment of substance use problems for young people, using their clinical experiences as examples for application.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will describe the impact of stigma and risk factors associated with substance use.
- Participants will identify the theory of development and impact of substance use on children, adolescents, and family systems.
- Participants will examine substance use assessment tools for youth in need of intervention and/or treatment.
- Participants will identify best practices to address substance use in youth and families.
- Participants will analyze substance use through a dimensional framework and identify criteria that endorse Substance Use Disorders.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Daniel Morehead, MD
Neuroscience
Neuroscience constitutes an exciting though vast and disorienting field. This course will synthesize information from primary neuroscience into a coherent and usable form for clinical social work, human social life, and everyday life. We will review brain structure and function, then discuss illuminating aspects of brain science in human development, adversity, resilience, and health. Finally, we will connect specific mental health disorders and treatments to neuropathology, as well as social challenges and inequities. Throughout the course, we will emphasize the brain as one aspect of human nature, a level of dynamic organization that both reflects and influences social and psychological experience, and ultimately cannot be separated from them. No prior knowledge of neuroscience is required, and the class format will be interactive.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn brain anatomy and function for the purposes of understanding relevant clinical literature and neuroscience-based theories.
- Participants will learn the neuroscience and physiology of normal stress and its relation to the development of mental illness.
- Participants will learn the neuroscience of fear and trauma, including the developmental consequences of early life adversity.
- Participants will explore the neuroscience of major depression, PTSD, anxiety, and their treatment.
- Participants will be exposed to the complex and mutual interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Tsana Dimanin, MSW, LICSW, NIC
Family Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
In this course geared toward working professionals, the focus for Family Therapy will be on real-world case examples and discussion. Subjects addressed will include ethics and dynamics within family work and practicing techniques when working with families both in-home and in the office. Several modalities will be discussed and resources will be shared for help with your work with families. Group work/role play and interactive discussion will be utilized throughout the day. If you aim to work with families or already have experience doing so, this course will be a great addition to your professional portfolio and practice toolbox.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will practice techniques for different modalities of family therapy.
- Participants will identify and discuss ethical challenges when working with families.
- Participants will gain resources for working with community resources (i.e., state agencies, non-profits, schools, etc.) and families.
- Participants will recognize and learn tools to confront intergenerational cultural dissonance within a family.
CYF
Advanced Clinical Practice for CYF - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Susan Lee Tohn, MSW, LICSW
Solution-Focused Therapy for Adults, Part 1
(Part 2 to be offered during Summer 2025 Social Work Workshops Series)
Solution-focused work is ideal for these challenging times as the model meets the client's needs in fewer sessions than traditional models and applies to a culturally diverse clientele. Solution Focused Brief Therapy focuses on "change" not "problems" and applies to both the micro and macro levels of working with individuals, families, and groups. Solution Focused Therapy empowers people to create and realize their solutions, and emphasizes strong rapport and active participation by both client and therapist. The training will challenge participants to explore their assumptions and provide them with many hands-on techniques they will be able to incorporate immediately into their work. This Part 1 (of 2 parts) training will include: the miracle question, exceptions, and scaling for an initial session.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to explain the 13 Solution Focused assumptions.
- Participants will be able to explain the unique paradigm for “cooperating with clients.”
- Participants will be able to demonstrate an amplifying exception question.
- Participants will be able to demonstrate asking the miracle question.
- Participants will be able to describe the three types of exception questions.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Nicki Roth, LICSW
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that aims to replace ineffective or maladaptive behavior with skillful responses, and helps clients become more comfortable with change. The term “dialectical” means a synthesis or integration of opposites; the primary dialectic within DBT is between the seemingly opposite strategies of acceptance and change. This course provides an orientation and overview of DBT and teaches how to implement skills training into clinical practice. Participants will learn Acceptance-Oriented and Change-Oriented Skills for individual and group therapy, and explore interventions focused on developing Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills. Through case studies, interactive discussions, role-plays, and worksheets, you will take away practical strategies to use immediately with any client, including teens and families.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn to describe the primary dialectic of DBT.
- Participants will be able to name a treatment function of DBT.
- Participants will be able to describe the components of a behavioral chain analysis.
- Participants will name the DBT skills modules and identify their primary functions and corresponding skills.
- Participants will be able to name commitment strategies to engage clients in treatment and encourage skills usage.
CYF
Advanced Clinical Practice for CYF - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Jennifer Roman-Martin, LICSW
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is a commonly used term that is not often clearly defined and can lack clear guidance on implementation. This course will explore how to embody the principles and practices of trauma-informed care to actively resist the risk of re-traumatization and promote healing and stabilization. Participants will develop an understanding of ways to enact trauma-responsive social work practice to support varied and individualized paths towards well-being across the lifespan. Throughout, we will explore how to respond to overwhelm and trauma in practice settings, as well as how to be effective advocates for healing-centered practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will understand the current conceptualization of trauma, traumatic stress, and related symptoms within and beyond the DSM-V.
- Participants will learn trauma-responsive intervention strategies for social work practice, starting from intake and assessment and throughout treatment.
- Participants will examine the role of the practitioner in the healing system that can be developed with the client.
- Participants will identify and respond to vicarious traumatization and secondary traumatic stress as it presents in interactions with clients, provider teams, and systems.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructors: Greg Bodine, LICSW, and Matt Mooney, MSW, LICSW
Narrative Therapy for Adults
This course will introduce students to Narrative Therapy’s collaborative, respectful, and socially just ways of understanding people and problems. An examination of the distinction between Narrative and Normative Worldviews will be followed by examples of Narrative Therapy in practice and opportunities for experiential learning. The intention of this course is to offer participants a taste of the politics and ethics that guide Narrative Therapy practices. Participants will learn about approaches that narrative therapists take in working with people who are experiencing problems in their lives and relationships.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn how the ideas, values, and relational ethics of the Narrative Worldview differ from those of a Normative Worldview.
- Participants will understand the significance of stories and cultural norms in shaping people’s identities and understandings of problems.
- Participants will become acquainted with the “de-centered but influential” stance of the narrative practitioner.
- Participants will consider the ways therapists are positioned within the helping contexts, with particular emphasis on how various ways of relating might affect those seeking their help.
- Participants will have the opportunity to witness and reflect on examples of Narrative Therapy in practice.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Kimberly Knowles, LMHC, ATR
Trauma and Interpersonal Violence for Adults
This course will explore the psychological impact that interpersonal violence has on adults. We will formulate the underlying issues that drive complex trauma symptoms, and discuss trauma assessment, the psychological defense system, and dissociation. We will focus on what life is like after trauma, specifically the impact it has on body, mind, and spirit. Participants will learn about trauma-informed best practices, interventions, and treatment planning. We will honor resilience, survival, and self-preservation. Throughout this course, participants will learn about trauma-informed interventions and understand the importance of viewing symptoms through a trauma lens.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will learn to recognize trauma-related symptoms.
- Participants will learn the effects of trauma on the body and mind.
- Participants will understand the complex survival system.
- Participants will learn skills to stabilize and treat clients in a trauma-sensitive way.
- Participants will learn about vicarious trauma exposure, and practice creating a plan of proactive care (including mindfulness, self-compassion, and support).
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Focus Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Fall 2025
Social Work Certificate Courses in
Advanced Clinical Practice - Online
Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET
Course registration will close on Tuesday at midnight prior to each Friday course.
- Online participants are required to have a computer with video and audio capability.
- Participants must create a Zoom account in advance according to Boston College security requirements.
- All programs offered online via Zoom will be delivered live and will not be recorded unless stated otherwise.
- These programs have a maximum capacity to allow for participant engagement. Register early to avoid disappointment!
Fall Semester Savings!
1 Course = $150
2 Courses = 10% Discount Each
3 Courses = 15% Discount Each
4 Courses = 20% Discount Each
Register
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Jennifer Roman-Martin, LICSW
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma and traumatic stress impact the lives of individuals across all demographics and service systems. Human services organizations and entities are often tasked with responding to the biopsychosocial manifestations and stress responses, but do not always have the right tools and training to distinguish the symptoms from the source. Participants in this training will develop an understanding of trauma and the developmental impacts from early childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, and uncover the importance of infusing a trauma informed care approach to screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Intervention strategies gleaned from evidence-based practice models will be explored, along with resources for integration into a variety of practice settings.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will explore the history of the study of psychological trauma, collaboratively develop both objective and subjective definitions for trauma and traumatic stress, and explore various sources of exposure.
- Participants will explore symptoms and differential diagnosis, in conjunction with trauma informed and trauma focused screening, assessment, and evaluation processes and tools.
- Participants will explore trauma informed approaches to developing and maintaining safe and effective healing relationships.
- Participants will explore and engage in a variety of intervention strategies at the individual, family, community, and systems levels.
- Participants will explore the impacts of secondary traumatic stress and engage in self care planning and practice.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Betsy Harris, LICSW
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adults
This intensive course will provide an overview of the basics of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well as move toward a deeper understanding of DBT. The course is designed for mental health professionals invested in a better understanding of DBT and the ability to implement the treatment in their settings. Following a review of Dialectical philosophy and Biosocial Theory, participants will learn several fundamental DBT skills to use with their clients right away. This course also addresses components of comprehensive DBT, treatment targets, and how to apply fundamental DBT strategies. Lectures, videotapes, small group exercises, and use of clinical examples are utilized to teach DBT theory and illustrate strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will identify DBT and what client population it was originally designed to treat.
- Participants will be able to explain Biosocial Theory.
- Participants will be able to define what it means to be dialectical.
- Participants will understand the essential components and importance of a comprehensive DBT treatment.
- Participants will be able to identify the four skills training modules taught in the DBT Skills Training Manual.
- Participants will learn at least one skill in Core Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Amanda Platner, PsyD
Neurodevelopmental Disorders for Children, Youth, and Families
This course is geared towards experienced clinicians looking to gain a deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental disabilities. The course will review diagnostic criteria and will then delve into gold standard procedures for assessment and diagnosis, as well as evidence-based treatment and support options for individuals and families. We will also discuss special topics such as the impact of neurodevelopmental disabilities on families, access and barriers to care, and other timely topics.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to accurately describe each of the neurodevelopmental disorders according to the DSM-5.
- Participants will be able to discuss their previous clinical knowledge and their new knowledge of these disorders. Participants will be able to discuss and implement evidence-based interventions for children, adolescents, and families.
- Participants will be able to read and interpret a neuropsychological report and learn how to integrate results into their practice.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Sara Keary, PhD, LICSW
Issues Facing Older Adults
This course will explore a variety of issues facing older adults and their caregivers in an aging society. We will review the strengths and challenges of aging in the 21st century within the context of medical advancements; where and how people live as they age; the impact of intergenerational trauma and epigenetics on aging; how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected aging people and their formal and informal caregivers; how social workers in all settings can familiarize themselves with issues facing aging people; and the ways in which intersecting identities of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion/spirituality, and socioeconomic status all impact the ways people receive medical care, facilitate advance care planning, and plan for the wide range of their needs in later life.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will identify important issues facing the older adult community.
- Participants will learn about and how to access important resources to help facilitate care for older adults regardless of their practice settings (i.e., Health Care Proxy documents, geriatric care managers, elder law attorneys, institutional and community-based resources).
- Participants will have a general knowledge base of medical and legal issues related to aging, especially in the context of dementia and/or cognitive impairment and other serious illnesses.
- Participants will have an understanding of how clinician awareness and advocacy regarding intersectionality are vital in meeting older adult clients’ needs.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Focus Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Rachel DiBella, PsyD, MSW, LICSW
Attachment Theory
Clinicians and macro social workers alike benefit from understanding the role attachment plays in how we -- and our clients -- engage in organizational life, including the workplace. This workshop will explore the principles of attachment theory, including adult attachment, and will uncover the relationship between insecure attachment and leadership development using insights from the latest research in the field.
Designed with interactive activities and evidence-based frameworks, this learning experience proposes a model for supporting growth and resilience in teams and leaders working in increasingly unpredictable, ambiguous and complex organizational contexts. This course equips participants with a toolkit to foster greater attachment security in our own professional lives, as well as the lives of our clients.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to describe early and contemporary theories of attachment, including neurobiology, and their uses in clinical and macro social work.
- Participants will be able to engage in "use of self" to understand one's own attachment experiences, their impacts on social work practice, and strategies for being a secure base for self and others.
- Participants will be able to recognize the role attachment plays in adult relationships across contexts, including organizational life and professional settings.
- Participants will be able to describe recent discoveries and limitations in scholarly research on attachment and leadership development, including attachment as an adult developmental phenomenon.
- Participants will be able to apply working understandings of adult attachment to support leadership development, team cohesion, and organizational effectiveness in social work practice.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructors: Greg Hallowell and Helen Stojanov-Acford, CAGS, MA, LADC-1
Motivational Interviewing for Adults
Motivational Interviewing (MI) encompasses therapeutic strategies for assisting clients with behavior change that are more collaborative than prescriptive, while respecting the client’s autonomy and beliefs. We will cover basic (and some advanced) principles of MI including detailed strategies for engagement and collaborative practice. We will strengthen empathic skills, eliciting change talk, and learn to roll with resistance by focusing on MI’s OARS interviewing model (i.e., Open-ended questions, Affirmation, Reflective listening, Summarizing). We will use the classroom methods of lecture, discussion, demonstration, and practice together. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, present cases, complete practice exercises together, and learn the ways in which MI can be practiced in other arenas, not only in clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will have direct practice and experience of using open ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summarizations.
- Participants will learn the fundamental client language cues (change talk and resistance), that allow continued feedback and learning in practice.
- Participants will experience and practice an MI style for meeting resistance.
Adult
Advanced Clinical Practice for Adults - Treatment Modality Elective
Course Fee: $150
CEUs: 6
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Kristan Bagley-Jones, MSW, LICSW
Play Therapy for CYF
This course will explore effective clinical practice with children via the use of play therapy. An overview of theories informing the practice of play therapy will be discussed. Key factors in play therapy such as the play therapy relationships, exploring symbolic play and themes in play, setting effective limits, and understanding interpretation in play treatment will be explored. Participants will learn specific play therapy techniques for effective assessment and practice consistent with the theoretical perspectives presented. Practical (and fun!) interventions will be explored.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to identify the major play therapy theories, therapeutic powers of play, strategies, and techniques commonly used in play treatment.
- Participants will explore play interventions such as sand tray play, therapeutic game play, puppets, and other play interventions.
- Participants will gain understanding of the use of the treatment relationship to shape new patterns of emotions and behaviors, set therapeutic limits, and address differences.
Online via Zoom • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Instructor: Matt Mooney, MSW, LICSW
Narrative Therapy for Children, Youth, and Families
This course will introduce students to the social justice perspective a Narrative Worldview offers when working with children, youth, and families. A thorough examination of the distinction between Narrative and Normative Worldviews will be followed by a brief exploration of the two pillars of narrative practice: Deconstructing and Reauthoring. Students will learn about the radically respectful and collaborative approach that narrative therapists take in working with people who are experiencing problems in their lives and relationships. Brief examples of practice will be shared and participants will take part in practice activities.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will begin to understand the distinction between Narrative and Normative Worldviews.
- Participants will begin to understand the stance of the narrative practitioner.
- Participants will begin to learn externalizing practices.
Certificate Program Instructors
General Admission
General Admission for each certificate course is $150.
Semester Savings!
Multiple courses must be taken in the
same semester to receive the discount.
1 Course = $150
2 Courses = 10% Discount Each
3 Courses = 15% Discount Each
4 Courses = 20% Discount Each
General Information:
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Advanced Clinical Practice courses. All sales are final; we are not able to offer refunds. Registrations may not be transferred to another person or to another course, workshop, or program.
Online registration is required to participate in a course. Tuition for each certificate course is to be paid by debit or credit card. Registrations will be processed upon receipt of payment. Payment is due in full in order to enroll.
These courses are approved for CEUs for Social Workers in MA, CT, RI, and VT. They meet the requirements for Continuing Education Hours established by the State Board of Social Worker Licensure in ME. If your state is not listed, please check with your local state licensing board to ensure the course meets state requirements prior to registering.
Boston College Continuing Education is required to ensure attendance to award CEUs. Participants must attend the complete program(s) they register for to receive CEUs; we are not able to award partial CEUs. Those who arrive late, leave early, or do not attend the entire program will be unable to receive CEUs.
Getting to Campus
Parking is available at the nearby Beacon Street and Commonwealth Avenue Garages. Discounted parking passes are available upon registration.
Boston College is also accessible via public transportation (MBTA B Line - Boston College).